Justin Herbert has a hat trick. During the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card round, Herbert tried to find tight end Will Dissley for a first down. Instead, he tossed his third interception of the afternoon, this one into the arms of All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.

Spongebob Squarepants character Patrick Star reacts to Derek Stingley Jr.'s fourth quarter interception in Texans-Chargers Wild Card game

In terms of future talks, the Texans can push it back by exercising the fifth-year club option. If they do that, it could just be to create more time for talks and create a placeholder for his deal. The Texans want to stay in business with Stingley for years and years to come. Both sides are properly motivated.

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.'s second interception against Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is returned for 13 yards.

Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has emerged as one of the NFL's best this season. He breaks down three memorable interceptions that showcase his talent.

Did you hear that Justin Herbert threw an interception? Did you hear that he threw four in one game? That's one more than he had during the regular season as the Los Angeles Chargers' x-factor on offense.

The Texans’ defense tallied four interceptions (two by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.) and four sacks while holding the Chargers to 3-of-11 on third-down attempts. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw three interceptions in the entire regular season.

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) leaps over Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) as he returns an interception during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Houston.

Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans corner back Derek Stingley Jr. (24) leaps over Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) after an interception during the third quarter ...

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stringley Jr. intercepts Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's pass following a tipped drop by tight end Will Dissly.

Stingley, Houston's first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, earned All-Pro honors Friday afternoon. The award deems Stingley as one of the two best cornerbacks in football, joining Denver Broncos star Patrick Surtain II. Check either Stingley's statistics or watch the Texans' 2024 tape, and Stingley's award is no mystery.

After falling in the divisional round of the playoffs for the second straight season, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans believe they’re “really close” to taking the next step and making their first AFC championship game.